This shrub has multiple upright reddish stems from the base that form a compact rounded habit. It has silvery green oblong leaves and the small pink urn-shape flowers are arranged in a cluster towards the end of the branches and appear during spring.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10 

Arctostaphylos auriculata is naturally found in North America growing in the eastern San Francisco bay area at Mount Diablo on sandstone chaparral at an elevation of 150 m to 650 m (2145 ft).  This shrub prefers an open sunny position and grows in well drained moderately fertile sandy soils (lime free), pH 5.5-7.5 and is drought and frost tolerant. 

The Mt Diablo Manzanita is grown for its flowers and attractive fruit. It is planted along borders in small or native gardens or used in rockeries. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long-lived.  It is not commonly cultivated outside its native region and may be difficult to obtained, requiring a specialist nursery. ID 3392

Note:
It has become an endangered and rare plant in its restricted natural habitat.

Arctostaphylos (AHK -toh-STAF-ee-los) auriculata (aw-REE-kew-LAH-tah)

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens